Rising gas prices not only put a strain on students’ wallets, but also affect UNM’s operation.
Gary Smith, an associate director of UNM’s Physical Plant Department, said the rising cost of petroleum-based products and services like transportation, plastic trash can liners and fertilizers has tightened the budget. He said PPD uses 207 alternative fuel vehicles, and UNM’s reduced its unleaded gas usage by more than 15 percent since 2006.
“We have to take the increase in fuel prices, which the PPD is heavily dependent on, out of our operating budget,” he said.
Student Steve Yoos said he also feels the strain of high gas prices and the need for fuel efficiency. He said he spends $60 a week on gas.
“It takes about $30 to fill my gas tank, and I have to fill it about twice a week,” he said. “Living in the heights, I spend close to an hour a day just driving to and from school.”
ABQ Ride spokesman Rick de Reyes said more than 99,000 UNM bus boardings were recorded in April, an increase of more than 12,000 from April 2010.
“When gas prices go up, so does ridership,” he said. “Riders save money in very profound ways.”
